Thioflavin T effect in diabetic Wistar rats: Reporting the antihyperglycemic property of an amyloid probing dye

BackgroundThioflavin T (ThT) is a well-known probe of amyloid fibrils with a benzothiazole core structure. As a compound with partial inhibitory effect on alpha-amylase, the results of oral ThT administration were investigated on a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat model of diabetes.MethodsSTZ was administered intraperitoneally for induction of diabetes. Afterwards, doses of 2, 8, 16, and 32 mg/kg of ThT were used in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, alpha-amylase activity, food and water intake and urine volume were assessed. Docking was also performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of ThT on alpha-amylase.ResultsUpon treatment with ThT, blood glucose levels and lipid profile of diabetic rats improved significantly. Furthermore, alpha-amylase serum levels of treated animals decreased compared to the control group, suggesting a possible effect of ThT on this digestive enzyme. On the other hand, the food intake of treated animals showed a decrease. ThT effects were also seen to some extent in the non-diabetic group.ConclusionThT is suggested to be a potentially useful compound in treatment and prevention of diabetes and associated complications.